Deutsch
Español
Français
Italiano
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Русский
Türkçe
Svenska
Chinese
MagyarLenovo IdeaPad 500-15ACZ Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
The IdeaPad 500-15ACZ is the identically built sister model of Lenovo's Z51-70 that we have already tested twice. Both lineups have a dedicated Radeon graphics unit in common. Their processors differ though. While Lenovo relies on Intel models for its Z51-70, APUs by AMD are installed in the IdeaPad. Rivals of the IdeaPad are laptops like Acer's Aspire E5-573G, HP's Pavilion 15 and Dell's Inspiron 15-5558.
Case
As said, the same casing is used for the IdeaPad 500-15ACZ as for Lenovo's Z51-70. It is made largely of plastic. Only the base unit's upper side is silver-colored metal. The same is true for the display bezel. The bottom tray and lid's back are black. The casing does not have a maintenance hatch, and thus the casing has to be disassembled to access the innards. More about that later.
The build is largely acceptable. The gaps are sometimes not quite even. The laptop does not exhibit any major flaws in stiffness, either. The casing can be dented on the keyboard's left and right as well as below the touchpad - but that is the case in most laptops. The base unit can be twisted a bit too much for our taste. We would have expected a higher stiffness here. That is especially true for the lid. Pressure on the back causes image distortions. The hinges keep the lid firmly in position, but it rocks slightly. Opening the lid with one hand is possible.
Connectivity
The laptop's interfaces are no surprise. The standard ports are installed. Two of the three USB ports support the USB 3.0 standard. Somewhat unusual for Lenovo is the Gigabit Ethernet socket. The company normally only incorporates Fast Ethernet solutions in consumer laptops. The interface positioning is less than ideal. They are level with the wrist rest.
Communication
A Wi-Fi module with a Broadcom chip operates in the IdeaPad. It supports the Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac standards and provides Bluetooth 4.0 functionality. The connection between the laptop and Wi-Fi router was always stable. Connection losses were not noticed in a 15-meter (~49 ft) radius around the router. The Gigabit Ethernet chip in the laptop comes from Realtek. It is the well-known model from the RTL8168/8111 family that we find in many laptops. It does an impeccable job.
Memory Card Reader
The installed memory card reader is relatively slow. It achieves a maximum transfer rate of 33.2 MB/s when copying large data blocks. Transferring 250 JPG image files (approx. 5 MB each) is performed at a speed of 16.7 MB/s. We test the memory card reader with our Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II reference card.
Accessories
The IdeaPad is shipped with the usual accessories: A quick start poster and warranty information.
Operating System
The laptop is delivered with Windows 10 Home (64-bit) preloaded. A recovery DVD is not included.
Maintenance
Since the IdeaPad does not have a maintenance hatch, the casing has to be opened for maintenance/upgrade purposes. First, the keyboard has to be removed. It is fixed by three screws. The retaining screw for the optical drive is underneath the keyboard, and has to be released to remove the drive. Here, two more screws that fix the base tray have to be released. Finally, the screws on the underside have to be released before removing the base cover. It is recommended to read the IdeaPad's maintenance manual beforehand.
Warranty
Lenovo furnishes its IdeaPad with a two-year warranty - including pick-up service. Upgrading to three years costs approximately 35 Euros (~$39), and roughly 55 Euros (~$61) are due for a three-year on-site warranty.
Input Devices
Keyboard
The IdeaPad is furnished with an unlit keyboard. The flat, lightly roughened keys have a short drop and clear pressure point. The keyboard clearly rocks in some areas. This yielding leads to a spongy typing feel. Lenovo should have fixed the keyboard with two or three more screws. The keyboard is sufficient for home use, but it is not suitable for prolific writers.
Touchpad
The multi-touchpad has a surface area of approximately 10.2 x 5.4 cm (~4 x 2.1 in). Thus, it provides enough room for using gestures. The diverse gestures can be turned on and off in the pad's configuration menu according to personal needs. The pad's lightly roughened surface does not prevent the finger from gliding. Both mouse keys have a short drop and clear pressure point.
Display
The 15.6-inch screen in the IdeaPad has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The brightness (220.9 cd/m²) is low, just like the contrast (486:1). We expect more from both rates. Positive: The screen never displays PWM flickering.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 238 cd/m²
Contrast: 486:1 (Black: 0.49 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 11.19 | 0.55-29.43 Ø5.1
ΔE Greyscale 11.53 | 0.57-98 Ø5.4
60% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
38% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
41.16% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
59.7% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
39.82% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.41
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM not detected | ||
In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18961 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | ||
The screen has a DeltaE 2000 color shift of 11.19 in delivery state. That is too high; a rate less than 3 would be desirable. Beyond that, the display exhibits a bluish tint. Neither the AdobeRGB nor the sRGB color spaces are reproduced. The coverage rate here is 38 percent (AdobeRGB) and 60 percent (sRGB).
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 24 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 8 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 16 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 45 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (22.1 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 43 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 21 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 22 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.25 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 65 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (34.9 ms). | ||
Lenovo furnishes the laptop with a viewing angle dependent TN panel. Consequently, the screen is not legible from every position. The angle is quite generous horizontally, and several people can look at the screen simultaneously. Changing the vertical angle quickly leads to image distortions. The IdeaPad is not suited to outdoor use. Its low brightness and contrast only allow use in the shade or in overcast conditions.
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ TN LED, 1920x1080 | Acer Aspire E5-573G-5785 TN LED, 1366x768 | HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng TN-Panel, 1920x1080 | Lenovo Z51-70 TN LED, 1920x1080 | Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 TN LED, 1920x1080 | Dell Inspiron 15-5558 IPS, 1920x1080 | HP 350 G2 L8B05ES TN LED, 1366x768 | Asus F555LJ-XX110H TN LED, 1366x768 | Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 IPS, 1920x1080 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 0% | 12% | -1% | -1% | 4% | 9% | 11% | 49% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 39.82 | 39.89 0% | 44.72 12% | 39.33 -1% | 39.56 -1% | 41.22 4% | 43.59 9% | 44.34 11% | 64.1 61% |
| sRGB Coverage | 59.7 | 60 1% | 67.3 13% | 58.9 -1% | 59.2 -1% | 61.8 4% | 64.8 9% | 66.1 11% | 82.9 39% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 41.16 | 41.21 0% | 46.21 12% | 40.65 -1% | 40.89 -1% | 42.58 3% | 45.06 9% | 45.95 12% | 60.6 47% |
| Response Times | 28% | ||||||||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 43 ? | 24 ? 44% | |||||||
| Response Time Black / White * | 24 ? | 21 ? 12% | |||||||
| PWM Frequency | 50 ? | ||||||||
| Screen | -4% | -3% | 1% | -1% | 23% | 8% | 24% | 48% | |
| Brightness middle | 238 | 240 1% | 202 -15% | 229 -4% | 218 -8% | 177 -26% | 251 5% | 245 3% | 294 24% |
| Brightness | 221 | 231 5% | 200 -10% | 214 -3% | 206 -7% | 176 -20% | 231 5% | 236 7% | 285 29% |
| Brightness Distribution | 84 | 86 2% | 86 2% | 85 1% | 89 6% | 78 -7% | 86 2% | 86 2% | 83 -1% |
| Black Level * | 0.49 | 0.63 -29% | 0.66 -35% | 0.45 8% | 0.46 6% | 0.15 69% | 0.53 -8% | 0.31 37% | 0.26 47% |
| Contrast | 486 | 381 -22% | 306 -37% | 509 5% | 474 -2% | 1180 143% | 474 -2% | 790 63% | 1131 133% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 11.19 | 10.51 6% | 8.72 22% | 10.51 6% | 11.08 1% | 8.52 24% | 7.92 29% | 6.6 41% | 5.07 55% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 19.6 | 9.33 52% | |||||||
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 11.53 | 11.51 -0% | 9.22 20% | 11.32 2% | 11.72 -2% | 9.72 16% | 8.9 23% | 6.96 40% | 4.25 63% |
| Gamma | 2.41 91% | 2.27 97% | 2.17 101% | 2.47 89% | 2.48 89% | 1.85 119% | 2.18 101% | 2.35 94% | 2.49 88% |
| CCT | 13057 50% | 12512 52% | 10298 63% | 12795 51% | 13526 48% | 5036 129% | 9917 66% | 8450 77% | 6597 99% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 38 | 38 0% | 42.4 12% | 38 0% | 37.8 -1% | 39 3% | 41 8% | 43 13% | 54 42% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 60 | 60 0% | 66.8 11% | 59 -2% | 59.3 -1% | 61 2% | 65 8% | 66 10% | 83 38% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -2% /
-3% | 5% /
1% | 0% /
1% | -1% /
-1% | 14% /
18% | 9% /
8% | 18% /
21% | 42% /
46% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
Lenovo's IdeaPad 500-15ACZ belongs to the 15.6-inch multimedia all-rounders. It has enough computing power for routine use and can render games smoothly. Our review sample is sold for almost 600 Euros (~$661). Other configurations exist. The currently cheapest model of the lineup costs just below 500 Euros (~$551). It is largely identical with our review sample. However, a 128 GB SSD is installed instead of an HDD and only 4 GB of working memory rather than 8 GB are present. Lenovo's Z51-70 lineup expands the offer. Here, Intel processors are paired with AMD graphic chips.
Processor
The IdeaPad is furnished with an A10-8700P by AMD. The model is from AMD's latest Carrizo APU generation. The CPU part of the APU is a quad-core processor that clocks at a base speed of 1.8 GHz. It can be boosted up to 3.2 GHz via Turbo. The APU allows varying its TDP (12 to 35 watts). Lenovo opted for a rate of 15 watts so to be on par with Intel's Core i processors. However, that also prevents the APU from developing its full potential. The processor performed our CPU tests at 2.3 GHz. One core was occasionally boosted to 3.2 GHz in single thread tests.
AMD's APU cannot compete with most Intel processors. It is on par with Core i3 processors from the Haswell generation in terms of multithread performance. However, AMD needs four cores to achieve the performance that Intel retrieves from two cores. Intel has a clear edge in single thread applications. When converting the results of AMD's APU to its theoretical maximum speed, it could definitely reach into the regions of the Core i5 processors - at a higher power consumption.
| JetStream 1.1 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000 | |
| Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
The system runs smoothly; we did not encounter problems. The PCMark benchmarks scores are good. It is noticed that the IdeaPad achieves better rates than comparable Core i3 laptops. That is primarily owed to both AMD graphic units. The PCMark 8 benchmark especially benefits from these GPUs. The system performance of Lenovo's laptop can be increased. The most effective action would be swapping the HDD for an SSD. The system would then respond faster and loading times would be shorter. Beyond that, a second working memory module could be installed. The working memory would then operate in dual-channel mode. The integrated GPU would then be utilized better and provide more performance. Consequently, the performance of the entire dual graphics solution should improve.
| PCMark 7 Score | 2366 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2485 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 2991 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 3290 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Device
Data is stored on a 2.5-inch hard drive by Seagate. It spins at 5400 revolutions per minute and has a capacity of 1 TB. The transfer rates are on a normal level for 5400 RPM models.
Graphics Card
The IdeaPad carries two graphics cores: The integrated Radeon R6 chip and the dedicated Radeon R5 M330 GPU. The integrated graphics chip is enabled in routine use and battery mode. Both cores work together in performance-driven applications (AMD Dual Graphics). The two AMD GPUs operate in CrossFire mode and take turns in calculating frames (Alternate Frame Rendering). That is the difference to switchable graphics. The latter only utilizes the dedicated GPU. The 3DMark benchmarks scores place the dual graphics solution between the GeForce 920M and GeForce 930M graphics cards in terms of performance. The dual graphics solution installed here is called Radeon R6 M340DX. It can be disabled in the laptop's BIOS. Only the integrated GPU is then active.
The dual graphics solution does not seem to function without errors. The benchmark in the game "Dirt Rally" could not be launched. The game recurrently crashed. The same happened when starting the game "Thief". In this case, a crashing graphics driver was responsible.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 5388 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 2240 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 39049 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 4906 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 1169 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score | 641 points | |
Help | ||
| 3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Y700-15ACZ | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad E560-20EWS00000 | |
| HP 350 G2 L8B05ES | |
| Asus F555LJ-XX110H | |
Gaming Performance
The IdeaPad can render many computer games smoothly. However, the user has to be happy with low resolutions and low to medium quality settings. The screen's native resolution (Full HD) cannot be used in any game. Performance-driven games like "Black Ops 3" will never reach a smooth frame rate. A weakness of dual graphic solutions is micro-stuttering although the frame rates would be high enough for a smooth image. AMD has apparently made improvements here. The installed dual graphics solution did not exhibit any micro-stutters.
The dual graphics solution's performance is roughly between that of a GeForce 920M and GeForce 930M in the 3DMark benchmarks. The gaming benchmarks present a similar picture. The frame rates of the dual graphics solution are on the level of a GeForce 920M laptop in many cases. However, AMD has a clear lead in some games and a GeForce 920M GPU achieves higher frame rates in others. GeForce 920M laptops would therefore be an inexpensive alternative for the IdeaPad.
Another laptop would be needed for more gaming power. For example, Acer's Aspire E5-573G might come in question. This laptop is furnished with a GeForce 940M graphics card and starts at approximately 500 Euros (~$551). Full HD models start at 600 Euros (~$661).
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
| Diablo III (2012) | 68.8 | 42.1 | 32.7 | 20.9 |
| Hitman: Absolution (2012) | 26.1 | 21.4 | 10.5 | 4.4 |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 83 | 45.3 | 32 | 16.6 |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 45.8 | 26.1 | 21.6 | 8 |
| Battlefield 4 (2013) | 40 | 27.7 | 17.6 | 6.5 |
| GRID: Autosport (2014) | 89.5 | 44.6 | 20.7 | 12.5 |
| Sims 4 (2014) | 99.6 | 37.5 | 17.1 | |
| F1 2014 (2014) | 55 | 37 | 33 | 18 |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) | 30.5 | 20.2 | 7.2 | 4.8 |
| Battlefield Hardline (2015) | 47.6 | 33 | 10.1 | 6.4 |
| The Witcher 3 (2015) | 17.6 | 11.4 | 5.8 | 3.1 |
| Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) | 17 | 14 | 6 | 3 |
| Metal Gear Solid V (2015) | 47 | 28.5 | 10 | 7.2 |
| World of Warships (2015) | 47.6 | 33.8 | 17 | 12 |
| FIFA 16 (2015) | 56.1 | 40.4 | 23.9 | |
| Anno 2205 (2015) | 30.5 | 16.4 | 6.7 | 3.1 |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015) | 31.9 | 19.8 | 10.3 | |
| Fallout 4 (2015) | 19.4 | 12.8 | 6.7 | 4.1 |
| Star Wars Battlefront (2015) | 33.9 | 20.5 | 9.5 | 6.9 |
| Rainbow Six Siege (2015) | 44.3 | 27.2 | 13.3 | 10.6 |
| Just Cause 3 (2015) | 18.5 | 16 | 8.9 | 6.1 |
| Rise of the Tomb Raider (2016) | 19.3 | 11.8 | 6.5 | 3.2 |
| XCOM 2 (2016) | 16.4 | 5.4 | 2.2 |
| Tomb Raider - 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Acer Aspire E5-573G-5785 | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab022ng | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5558 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| HP 350 G2 L8B05ES | |
| Asus F555LJ-XX110H | |
| Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 | |
| Asus X555LD-XX283H | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 305-15IBD | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| BioShock Infinite - 1280x720 Very Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| Toshiba Satellite C55-C-1NE | |
| Asus F555LJ-XX110H | |
| Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 | |
| Asus X555LD-XX283H | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Diablo III - 1366x768 Medium / low (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Asus F555LJ-XX110H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| GRID: Autosport - 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| HP 350 G2 L8B05ES | |
| Asus F555LJ-XX110H | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 305-15IBD | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| F1 2014 - 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP 350 G2 L8B05ES | |
| Asus F555LJ-XX110H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Battlefield Hardline - 1024x768 Low Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Dell Inspiron 15-5558 | |
| Lenovo Z51-70 | |
| HP 350 G2 L8B05ES | |
| Asus F555LJ-XX110H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| World of Warships - 1366x768 Low Preset AF:Trilinear (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP 350 G2 L8B05ES | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 305-15IBD | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| FIFA 16 - 1280x720 Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP 350 G2 L8B05ES | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 305-15IBD | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| Star Wars Battlefront - 1024x768 Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| Rainbow Six Siege - 1024x768 Low Preset AA:T AF:Linear (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
Radeon R6 M340DX vs. Radeon R6 (Carrizo)/Radeon R5 M330
dual graphics solution does not guarantee frame rates higher than when the graphics units operate singly. However, it applies to most games we tested. The integrated Radeon R6 chip is the stronger of both GPUs. When the integrated GPU works alone and can fall back on a working memory that operates in dual-channel mode, it often comes close to the dual graphics solution.
We used the IdeaPad's option of disabling the dual graphics solution and performed benchmarks using the integrated Radeon R6 (Carrizo) GPU for comparison purposes. The two Pavilion laptops in the chart are both furnished with two working memory modules. Thus, their memories operate in dual-channel mode, which utilizes the GPU better and provides more power. The frame rates show that clear performance gains are possible. The dual graphics solution's frame rates would also climb when the IdeaPad is furnished with a second working memory module.
| Tomb Raider - 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400 | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 305-15IBD | |
| Lenovo B50-80 | |
| BioShock Infinite - 1280x720 Very Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400 | |
| Lenovo B50-80 | |
| Star Wars Battlefront - 1024x768 Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400 | |
| FIFA 16 - 1280x720 Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 305-15IBD | |
| 3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400 | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 305-15IBD | |
| Lenovo B50-80 | |
| 3DMark - 1280x720 Ice Storm Standard Score (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ | |
| HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad L460-20FVS01400 | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 305-15IBD | |
| Lenovo B50-80 | |
Emissions
System Noise
The fan spins at a low speed in idle mode. It occasionally speeds up for a moment, however; any noise is primarily the hard drive. Replacing the HDD with an SSD would lead to more silence. The fan recurrently speeds up under low load. The user will soon find that annoying when he wants to work in silence. The fan does not speed up excessively during full load. We measured a noise level of 38.9 dB(A) in the stress test. It is noticed here that the APU's Turbo is virtually not utilized. Lenovo should generally rework the fan management. A look at the casing's temperatures show that the fan could usually remain disabled in idle mode and during low load.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 33.1 / 33.3 / 33.5 dB(A) |
| HDD |
| 33.4 dB(A) |
| DVD |
| 36.5 / dB(A) |
| Load |
| 38.9 / 38.9 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Audix TM1 Arta (15 cm distance) environment noise: 31.3 dB(A) | ||
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ A10-8700P, Radeon R6 M340DX | Acer Aspire E5-573G-5785 5200U, GeForce 940M | HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng A10-8700P, Radeon R8 M365DX | Lenovo Z51-70 5200U, Radeon R9 M375 | Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 5200U, Radeon R7 M360 | Dell Inspiron 15-5558 5200U, GeForce 920M | HP 350 G2 L8B05ES 5200U, Radeon R5 M240 | Asus F555LJ-XX110H 5010U, GeForce 920M | Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 6200U, GeForce 930M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | -2% | 1% | 1% | -1% | -7% | -3% | 0% | 10% | |
| off / environment * | 31.3 | 22 30% | |||||||
| Idle Minimum * | 33.1 | 32 3% | 30.7 7% | 32.1 3% | 31.6 5% | 33.5 -1% | 32.6 2% | 32 3% | 31.3 5% |
| Idle Average * | 33.3 | 32 4% | 30.7 8% | 32.1 4% | 34 -2% | 33.5 -1% | 32.8 2% | 32.4 3% | 31.3 6% |
| Idle Maximum * | 33.5 | 32.2 4% | 30.7 8% | 32.8 2% | 34.6 -3% | 33.5 -0% | 32.8 2% | 33.6 -0% | 32.2 4% |
| Load Average * | 38.9 | 43.1 -11% | 40.1 -3% | 39.4 -1% | 38.2 2% | 45.9 -18% | 41.6 -7% | 38.3 2% | 36.4 6% |
| Load Maximum * | 38.9 | 43.5 -12% | 44.3 -14% | 40.7 -5% | 40.7 -5% | 45.3 -16% | 44.7 -15% | 41.8 -7% | 36.6 6% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The IdeaPad performed our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) in AC and battery mode in a slightly different manner. The processor clocked at 2.4 GHz for 1 to 2 minutes. Then it is throttled to 1.8 GHz (battery mode) and 1.6 to 1.8 GHz (AC mode). The dual graphics solution runs at full speed in AC mode. Both cores are throttled to 400 MHz in battery mode. The laptop does not heat up excessively. The temperatures remain below 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on all measuring points.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36 °C / 97 F, compared to the average of 36.8 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 39.2 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.6 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 31.2 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35 °C / 95 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-6.1 °C / -11 F).
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ A10-8700P, Radeon R6 M340DX | Acer Aspire E5-573G-5785 5200U, GeForce 940M | HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng A10-8700P, Radeon R8 M365DX | Lenovo Z51-70 5200U, Radeon R9 M375 | Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 5200U, Radeon R7 M360 | Dell Inspiron 15-5558 5200U, GeForce 920M | HP 350 G2 L8B05ES 5200U, Radeon R5 M240 | Asus F555LJ-XX110H 5010U, GeForce 920M | Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 6200U, GeForce 930M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -33% | -8% | -13% | -6% | 2% | -4% | 8% | -8% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 36 | 45.6 -27% | 39.1 -9% | 43.6 -21% | 46.8 -30% | 35.7 1% | 37.6 -4% | 29.2 19% | 42.5 -18% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 39.2 | 61 -56% | 36.8 6% | 45.6 -16% | 41 -5% | 38.5 2% | 40.7 -4% | 37.8 4% | 46.9 -20% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 27.1 | 32.5 -20% | 30.5 -13% | 28.6 -6% | 25.2 7% | 26 4% | 27.1 -0% | 25.1 7% | 25.8 5% |
| Idle Bottom * | 26.6 | 34.1 -28% | 30.7 -15% | 28.5 -7% | 25 6% | 26.6 -0% | 28.3 -6% | 25.7 3% | 26 2% |
* ... smaller is better
Speakers
The IdeaPad's stereo speakers are situated on the front edge of the device's underside. They produce a strong sound that tends to sound tinny. Using headphones or external speakers is recommendable.
Energy Management
Power Consumption
We measured a maximum idle consumption of 11 watts - an acceptable rate. The rate initially climbed to 60 watts during the stress test. Since the CPU only utilizes its Turbo for a moment, the rate drops to 51 watts. An energy requirement of approximately 42 watts (+/- 5 watts) would be realistic for routine gaming. The power supply has a nominal output of 65 watts.
| Off / Standby | 0.35 / 0.55 Watt |
| Idle | 6.8 / 10.5 / 11 Watt |
| Load |
41.6 / 51 Watt |
   
| |
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ A10-8700P, Radeon R6 M340DX | Acer Aspire E5-573G-5785 5200U, GeForce 940M | HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng A10-8700P, Radeon R8 M365DX | Lenovo Z51-70 5200U, Radeon R9 M375 | Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 5200U, Radeon R7 M360 | Dell Inspiron 15-5558 5200U, GeForce 920M | HP 350 G2 L8B05ES 5200U, Radeon R5 M240 | Asus F555LJ-XX110H 5010U, GeForce 920M | Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 6200U, GeForce 930M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 15% | -19% | 20% | 31% | 31% | 30% | 40% | 12% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 6.8 | 4.8 29% | 6.9 -1% | 3.3 51% | 3.4 50% | 4.3 37% | 3.6 47% | 3.5 49% | 4.7 31% |
| Idle Average * | 10.5 | 7 33% | 11 -5% | 5.9 44% | 6.1 42% | 6.5 38% | 5.9 44% | 5.5 48% | 9.9 6% |
| Idle Maximum * | 11 | 7 36% | 12.1 -10% | 6 45% | 6.2 44% | 7.4 33% | 5.9 46% | 5.7 48% | 10.1 8% |
| Load Average * | 41.6 | 44.5 -7% | 61.3 -47% | 55.1 -32% | 39 6% | 33.3 20% | 38.2 8% | 31.3 25% | 36 13% |
| Load Maximum * | 51 | 58 -14% | 66.5 -30% | 55.2 -8% | 43.3 15% | 36.3 29% | 47.5 7% | 34.7 32% | 51 -0% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
The IdeaPad achieves abysmal battery runtimes. Most high-performance gaming laptops provide better rates nowadays. Lenovo's laptop achieved a runtime of 3:03 hours in the real world Wi-Fi test. We simulate the load needed for opening websites via a script. The "Balanced" profile is enabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m². The IdeaPad finished the video test after 2:48 hours. We loop the short movie "Big Buck Bunny" (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) for this. The Wi-Fi modules are disabled and the screen's brightness is again dimmed to 150 cd/m².
We expect a minimum runtime of 4 hours from a laptop like the IdeaPad in the Wi-Fi and video tests. Many comparable rivals achieve runtimes of 5 to 6 hours here. The IdeaPad cannot even compete with its identically built, Intel-based Z51-70 siblings.
| Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ 32 Wh | Acer Aspire E5-573G-5785 37 Wh | HP Pavilion 15-ab052ng 41 Wh | Lenovo Z51-70 32 Wh | Lenovo Z51-70-80K6 31 Wh | Dell Inspiron 15-5558 40 Wh | HP 350 G2 L8B05ES 41 Wh | Asus F555LJ-XX110H 37 Wh | Toshiba Satellite L50-C-275 45 Wh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 108% | -5% | 56% | 83% | 91% | 92% | 89% | 89% | |
| Reader / Idle | 365 | 731 100% | 222 -39% | 666 82% | 687 88% | ||||
| H.264 | 168 | 357 113% | 154 -8% | 315 88% | 361 115% | ||||
| WiFi v1.3 | 183 | 347 90% | 137 -25% | 289 58% | 334 83% | 337 84% | 291 59% | 345 89% | 345 89% |
| Load | 49 | 112 129% | 75 53% | 75 53% | 103 110% | 101 106% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Although they are rare, they still exist: AMD-based laptops. Lenovo's IdeaPad 500-15ACZ belongs to this category. The installed processor has enough computing power for routine use. The dual graphics solution renders many games smoothly. There is also plenty of storage capacity thanks to the 1 TB hard drive. It is possible to swap the HDD for an SSD. However, the IdeaPad does not have a maintenance hatch; the casing would have to be disassembled. The viewing angle dependent Full HD screen is disappointing. It offers only low brightness and middling contrast. The keyboard is sufficient for home use. Prolific writers should avoid it. The battery life is below par. We expect a lot more here. The two-year warranty unusual for Lenovo is pleasing.
Lenovo does not deliver a masterpiece with its IdeaPad 500-15ACZ. Quite the opposite is true.
The IdeaPad does not shine in any aspect. Not even in terms of price: Lenovo demands almost 600 Euros (~$661) for the laptop. Considerably stronger laptops are found for this price. In other words: Alternative laptops on the performance level of the IdeaPad are available at a lower price.
Lenovo Ideapad 500-15ACZ
-
02/27/2016 v5(old)
Sascha Mölck
Pricecompare
